Content Hub
OTT gives an opportunity to tell realistic, honest stories
MUMBAI: Critically acclaimed screenwriter and director Charudutt Acharya in his speech at The Content Hub 2020 discussed scriptwriting and opportunities in over-the-top platforms.
Acharya said, “For my entire life I have been a writer; the whole OTT thing happened just a couple of years ago. When you are working on a certain story or plot you derive ideas from your own experiences. You have a folder of an idea that you love but deep down a person knows all ideas cannot be made into stories. Because it does not fit into the kind of television that is commissioned. But, now ideas from your thinking bag are doable; it comes from your own life, your own experiences.”
According to Acharya, OTT gives an opportunity to tell stories that are realistic and honest in nature. It is a growing medium. Acharya who doesn’t differentiate between OTT and television content finds TV is now like a bungalow system. But writers will have to look at the world angle where nuances are more defined.
Acharya believes that apart from learning techniques and structures, one needs to learn the art of creating originals. Writing for OTT is evolving grammar. One has to focus on writing economically because audiences just don’t come for a plot they come for the character in the series and what treatment has been given to the show.
Mumbai: Exploring the shift from regional to national content, this synopsis delves into the trends and challenges. It navigates the transformation, analyzing industry dynamics, emerging trends, and the hurdles faced. From preserving regional variation to adapting to a broader audience, it examines the multifaceted journey of regional content evolving into a national narrative. In what ways do the emerging trends and challenges influence the dynamics of the entertainment industry during this transition? How can creators navigate these changes effectively? What strategic approaches can content creators adopt to strike a balance between maintaining regional identity and fostering a cohesive national narrative in their work? How can the transition from ‘regional’ to ‘national content’ impact cultural diversity within the entertainment industry, and what measures can be taken to ensure the preservation of regional variation?
In a rapidly evolving media landscape, seasoned industry professionals have offered valuable insights into the transformation of content consumption and production. The session was chaired by Ernst and Young partner Raghav Anand, MMTV chief executive officer P.R. Satheesh, Sony Marathi business head Ajay Bhalwankar, PTC Network chairman & MD Rabindra Narayan, Shemaroo Entertainment COO, Digital, Saurabh Srivastava esteemed voices in the field, have articulated their perspectives on the burgeoning shift towards globalised content.
Rabindra Narayan emphasised the dissolution of regional boundaries in content consumption, attributing it to the accessibility facilitated by global platforms and connectivity options. He predicts a future where language barriers will fade, citing the potential of technology to clone and adapt voices, thus enabling seamless localization across languages.
Saurabh highlighted the democratisation of content creation in the digital era, underscoring its empowerment and revenue potential, particularly in linguistically diverse markets like India. He emphasizes the value of culturally rooted storytelling in filling gaps in content supply, with technology enabling effective monetization, especially through OTT platforms.
Ajay Bhalwan sheds light on the evolving landscape of Hindi and regional language content, noting a significant shift where a substantial portion of content on Hindi film channels originates from regional languages. He accentuates the importance of language in enhancing authenticity and audience engagement, exemplified by the strong resonance of Marathi content in Maharashtra.
PR Satheesh underscored the paramount importance of content quality in driving viewership and transcending language barriers. Drawing parallels with the global popularity of Korean dramas, he advocates for leveraging technology, including AI and real-time translations, to enhance content creation and distribution.
These insightful perspectives collectively echoed the industry’s adaptation to a globalised content landscape, where technology catalyzes innovation and accessibility. As content continues to evolve, these experts offered valuable guidance on navigating the dynamic media landscape and maximizing the impact of storytelling in diverse markets worldwide.
